Steamboat Running Series wraps up

Mary Schuette, Derek Leidigh win season titles

Fans cheer as Katie Smith runs toward the finish line of Saturday's Steamboat Springs Running Series finale at Howelsen Hill.

Steamboat Springs  There is something to be said for consistency.

So even though Derek Leidigh didn’t win a race during the 2010 Steamboat Springs Running Series, he certainly was the most consistent. Leidigh wrapped up the men’s overall title Saturday during the Emerald Mountain Trail Run. It is his first series title.

On the women’s side, Mary Schuette won the overall title, after finishing second last year.

“I’ve been consistent from second to fourth,” Leidigh said. “I never won one. I haven’t been dominant in the series, but I’ve just been consistent. I figured if I’m not able to win a lot of the races, I might as well win something.”

On a day where weather makes people wonder why anyone would ever leave Steamboat, the last Running Series event that counted toward the points also served a good cause.

The proceeds from Saturday’s race benefited the Yampa Valley Autism Program in memory of Jenna Gruben Morrill.

Gruben Morrill, an avid runner, was killed in a car wreck in February on U.S. Highway 40.

More than 70 runners and hikers took to Howelsen Hill at the event Saturday.

The race started at the bottom and went to the top before

following singletrack back to the base.

Todd Trapp won the men’s portion, finishing the 7.5-mile course in 53 minutes, 31 seconds. Allen Belshaw was second in 56:45, and Leidigh was third in 1:00:19.

On the women’s side, Jenny Fox finished first in 1:08:56. Schuette was second in 1:09:20, and Genevieve Dice was third in 1:09:51.

Trapp, who did a handful of events this year, took the lead in the race at close to the 1-mile mark. He actually got lost and had to wait for other runners at the bottom of Larry’s Trail before continuing.

“Right after we did the first climb, I felt strong enough to go ahead and go,” Trapp said.

Fox was behind until the top of Emerald. But by the time the downhill hit, she took the lead and never was challenged.

The event marked a minor renaissance in the series. Numbers across the board were up overall for the season, thanks to more participants and sponsors.

The Run Rabbit Run 50-mile event is Sept. 18 but doesn’t count for points. Wrapping the competition up with Saturday’s race to benefit a good cause and in memory of a local running fixture just made it all the better.

“I did every race but one this year, so it was a goal,” Schuette said about winning the women’s overall title. “It’s just a fun goal to have. It keeps me running in the summer. I love running. It’s my passion. It’s just a wonderful series, and it’s good to see it’s growing. I’m excited for the series and Steamboat.”